BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) A federal judge in Maine has heard arguments on a case concerning the release of funding for job training and workforce development programs.
Brunswick nonprofit Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. contended Monday that Republican Gov. Paul LePage is illegally withholding money that the U.S. government has earmarked for workforce development programs in southern Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports LePage’s administration contends no one has been denied services of funding at this point.
Monday’s bench trial is the latest development in a years-long push by LePage to address what he says is wasteful spending in federal workforce programs. A recent push for a high threshold for job training federal funding sparked the current dispute over the release of federal funds.
The judge has not indicated when he will issue a ruling.
